Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Subaru Legacy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Problems with vehicle blowing head gaskets. While driving, the check engine light illuminated, smoke came from under the hood and the tail pipe. Vehicle was towed to a Subaru dealership where it was discovered the problem was a blown head gasket. Coolant and oil sprayed all over the engine and ignited a small fire on the exhaust manifold, but it extinguished itself. Consumer had vehicle towed to her local dealer. She obtained two opinions and they both said the same thing. Extreme coolant loss but no evidence of a leak. It appeared without taking the engine apart to be a factory defect. It's either a defective head gasket, casting flaw in the metal or a head that wasn't torqued properly. …
1997 Subaru Legacy gt 2.5l engine, approx. 92K miles, engine started overheating. Car was taken to two different repair facilities and diagnosed as blown head gasket after pressure test, block test, no signs of leaking. Car had been serviced faithfully by original owner at Subaru dealerships since purchase. I found out this is a common problem from repair facilities with this model and engine but when questioned Subaru dealership they said it couldn't have happened as head gasket and cooling system are not related (?) and problem was a cracked block or cylinder. Estimated cost to replace head gasket $2450-. Estimated cost to replace engine $5700-. I had also had a problem where the fuel filler tube that connects to the gas tank from where you pur the gasoline in from the pump had rusted away and leaked fuel onto the ground. I had that replaced at approx. Cost of $400-. …
I was out driving on a sunny Sunday with a couple of friends to see the fall color, and without warning my car overheated. I took it to my mechanic to have find out what caused the problem and he said it was a "blown head gasket". I have not had the repairs done yet because I am trying to decide whether or not to put in a new engine or just repair the old one. The cost is going to be in excess of $1500 dollars either option and after doing a bit of research I have found that there are multiple websites out there with people who are suffering the same problems. This problem only seems to effect a certain number of year models and I would like to have Subaru do something to help alert those who will potentially be buying these vehicles with no knowledge of what they are buying into.
I am sure you have received other complaints regarding the 2.5l engine in 1997 Subaru Legacy gt's. The head gaskets are very weak, which when they blow, can cause a loss of power due to a rush of coolant flowing into the system, which kills the engine. This problem is very widespread, and Subaru does not admit anything. However, in Canada, Subaru was sued for this same issue. There are thousands of people out there that are experiencing erratic failure with these head gaskets, and there isn't even a TSB on them. Please, help us!
The vehicle was leaking oil from the rear separator plate and oil pump seal. This caused copious amounts of smoke to billow out from under the hood and out the front wheel wells when stopped after driving several miles. Took several minutes for the smoke to subside. Consumer questioned whether there were any fines for this failure. He heard Subaru made changes to the newer model Legacy. Consumer learned of two other Subaru owner's that experience the same defect.
Sudden overheating occurring mostly above 60 km/h symptoms included large pockets of air in cooling system as well as small bubbles. First thought by mechanic was head gasket, however tests on coolant showed otherwise. Small leak found in water pump gasket, replaced entire pump and gasket, as well as thermostat, belts, hoses, etc. Current research has proven that years 1997 through 2002 all do this as a result of a design flaw that causes the head gasket to fail.
While traveling at 70 MPH engine light illuminated and smoke came from under hood. Driver pulled over, popped hood, and noticed coolant and oil sprayed over engine. Also a couple of flames were present. Dealer said it was a blown head gasket.
Engine problem 1. After each oil change, engine shows severe hesitation during acceleration at RPM's below 2500 (feels like late ignition timing), which results in loss of power - dangerous when merging into traffic. When RPM's reach 2500, the power returns to normal, and the car starts accelerating much faster, creating a possibility of running into a car in front. This behavior gradually disappears over the next 1500 miles and reappears again after the next oil change. Subaru dealers do not admit any problem. Engine problem 2. When cruising in neutral (standard 5-speed transmission), the RPM stay around 1200 - 1500 in most cases (~95%). They fall to normal 800 only after full stop. In other 5% of situations they fall to normal as you would expect them to. Again, Subaru dealers do not admit any problem.
The scratch on the glass is on both drivers side and passenger side. I was told it is from the inner door metal rubbing against the glass when windows go up and or down. The mark on the glass is about and inch wide and deep enough that it will not come off. The check engine light came on during the drive home from the lot. The cause according to the dealer was that the cam belt slipped off by one tooth. The rear wheel bearings are needing to be replaced under normal driving conditions. There is no abnormal wear and considering the low 53,000 miles - this should not need to be done. Car when cold idles rough, heat sheild rattles, dash lights in center console not working, extream corrosion under car effecting suspension and making noise when turning wheel right or left.
Oil leak from crank case seal drips back onto exhust manafold during normal driving. Once car has stopped and is at idle the oil burns off the manafold and large amounts of smoke pour from under the hood and under the car. If ventilation system left on then smoke enters the passenger compartment. Number 2: the car shudders when turns left or right at low speeds (5mph). Number 3: the metal guides for the side window (drivers side) have scratched the glass and it can't be repaired must replace. Number 4: car started to sputter or miss after 61000 miles. It occurs only after the engine warms up.
Engine complaints in other Legacy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Subaru Legacy, 23% of the model year's 139 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Subaru Legacy engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Subaru Legacy, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Subaru Legacy engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.